Alex Sink Weighs Another Fla. Gov Run Against Rick Scott

By Jordain Carney

Former Florida CFO Alex Sink hasn't decided whether to run for governor again in 2014. The 2010 Democratic nominee said Tuesday that she hasn't "ruled it out completely," adding that she will finalize her plans by the summer.

Sink called a potential run "a big undertaking" and "a very personal decision." Her husband, 2002 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill McBride, passed away on Dec. 22. Sink told the Tampa Tribune earlier this week that McBride "very much wanted me to run again."

Sink said Tuesday that she wouldn't get into the race unless she believes she can unseat GOP Gov. Rick Scott, who defeated her by 61,550 votes in 2010.

"In six months…we should have a clear idea of what the field is," Sink said in a phone interview, adding that there are currently "shifting pieces" on both sides. She said she would make her decision "sometime this summer."

Former Democratic state Sen. Dan Gelber, who is also considering a bid for governor, said Sink still has statewide name recognition from her 2010 run. Former Democratic state Sen. Nan Rich is currently the only declared candidate, but former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, who changed his registration from independent to Democrat in December, also has expressed interest in the race.

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Florida-based Democratic strategist Steve Schale said the primary field "begins and ends" with Crist. Democratic strategist Kevin Akins agreed, adding that the question looming over the Democratic field is whether there is "going to be one major viable alternative to Crist."

Other potential Democratic candidates include former Independent Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, but all three are regional candidates that likely would lag behind Sink or Crist in name ID and fundraising ability. Gelber said he was waiting to see what Sink and Crist decide, adding that "they both would be strong candidates."

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